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James added: "We want Brentwood Live to be something the local people are proud of. We want to make it a great place to go to see shows, rather than having to travel to London.

"It is a great space. We are going to put on many different shows from singers to comedians, we’re even looking to showcase local talents."

As their company has grown, the James feels that they have come in a circle back to Brentwood Live where it all started.

Brentwood Live used to be a main venue on a lot of acts tours (Image: Essex Live)

'We want to bring the biggest acts to the area'

"We have gone from 11 employees to about 30. We have taken some of the shows around the world - last week I was in Germany with Fastlove our George Michael tribute act, and before that I was in Holland," he said.

"Taking over Brentwood Live is a great opportunity to bring these shows to Essex. We want to ultimately bring the world’s biggest acts to the area."

Not only are they growing, but they are keen to give opportunities to young people to work with them.

"We have three 18-year-olds who are just out of college working for us. It’s great to be able to give them an opportunity," James explained.

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"I spent so many years trying to make it as an actor just wanting someone to give me chance, but that didn’t happen, but now I can give a chance to others like them."

They are also keen to give back to those who have themselves contributed to the benefit of the local community by donating over £7,500 worth of tickets to local NHS, emergency services personnel and charities.

James has a very personal reason for why he is so passionate to give something back to the emergency services and NHS workers.

"I have got a really bad nut allergy. There have been many times when I have been rushed to hospital because I have had a bad allergic reaction," he said.

James Taylor and his dad Michael are hoping to make Brentwood Live a venue the locals can be proud of (Image: Edward Starr Photographer)

'We need the community to support us - we're still a family business'

"I am always so grateful when I am in the hospital to those who have helped me. I have always received great care and on a number of occasions they have saved my life.

"It’s actually really hard to give tickets away, because there are rules saying they can’t accept gifts over a certain amount, but we try and give as much as we can.

"People like nurses do a fantastic job, I just want to say thank you in my own way."

James and his dad already have already announced an number of acts and performances that will be taking place at the centre well into the new year.

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Their George Michael tribute act, Fastlove; the comedian Omid Djalili and the Magic of Motown, are just some of the shows they have lined up.

The duo are aiming high and are looking to bring the biggest stars back to Brentwood Live, however they are asking the community for their support in order to be able to achieve this.

"Even though we have grown we are still a family business. Both me and my dad are from Essex so it’s really important that we do this for the community," James said.

"But we also need the support of the local community. We want to put on even bigger and better shows, but we need people to come and support us, so that we can return Brentwood Live to its' former glory."